Image of man released in investigation into attacks on women in Belfast

Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to after a series of assaults on women in Belfast.

Six women, between the ages of 19 and 22, were attacked in the south of the city on Monday night.

Detectives investigating the incidents have gathered more information by studying the CCTV footage and have released an image of a man they wish to identify.

The Belfast area coordinator, Chief Superintendent Simon Walls, established a schedule for the attacks after a review of CCTV footage.

“The first incident occurred at Castle Place at 7.42pm, in which a pedestrian was stabbed,” he said.

“The second stabbing occurred at 7.51 pm on Ormeau Avenue between Linenhall Street and the Adelaide Steet crossroads. The third stabbing occurred at 8:56 p.m. in Donegall Square West. In the fourth incident, which occurred sometime between 8:56 p.m. and 9:01 p.m. on Dublin Road, a woman was punched in the back of the head.

“In the fifth incident at 9:01 pm, another woman was stabbed while walking down University Road near Mount Charles.

“In the sixth incident, a woman was punched in the neck on Upper Lisburn Road, near Dunluce Avenue, around 9:03 pm and we believe it was the same man.”

He said four of the women received treatment at the hospital for puncture wounds that are not believed to be life-threatening.

“While his injuries were minor and not life-threatening, these are very serious incidents,” he said.

“These were scary random attacks for these young women, but fortunately incidents like this are extremely rare.”

Chief Supt Walls said additional patrols are taking place throughout the city center and south Belfast to reassure the community.

“We are doing everything possible to identify and arrest this man. While detectives continue to conduct extensive CCTV investigations, I would appeal to drivers who were in these areas at the times we have now identified to review dash cam footage, and to business owners in relevant areas to check your CCTV, ”he said. He said.

“The man in dark clothing, possibly wearing a hooded shirt, is described riding a mountain bike that may have a light-colored frame and reflectors on the spokes. We believe the man may have been wearing a black mask and backpack.

“I encourage anyone who has witnessed any of these incidents or anyone who has been in any of these areas who may have dashcam footage to contact the police on Lisburn Road at number 101 which is not emergency or submit a report online using our report form via psni.police.uk/makeareport “.